Tyson Fury, the former two-time heavyweight world champion, is targeting a return to the ring within the next three months, accelerating his latest comeback after retiring in January 2025.
Fury Fires Back at Body-Shaming Critics
The 37-year-old boxing legend, who hung up his gloves after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, is currently deep in training camp in Thailand. He has been working alongside WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena to sharpen his skills for his impending return.
However, Fury's social media posts have attracted a wave of comments criticising his physical condition. The 'Gypsy King' addressed these "fat" jibes head-on in a candid Instagram video on Friday.
"I've read a few comments that I am looking a bit hench. Chubby. Fat. Well, welcome to my world," Fury stated. "Never been any different. Beat everybody with a fat belly... I'm weighing about 20 stone at the moment. Probably get down to about under 19 stone maybe for the comeback."
"It's Not About the Money" - Fury's Motivation Explained
In a separate post, Fury vehemently denied that financial incentive was driving his return to the sport, despite the increased influence of figures like Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
"For me, there is nothing else other than the fight game. I love this fight game. There is nothing in it for financial gain," he asserted. "I could have retired 10 years ago. I've made an absolute fortune. It's mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport."
Fury, who turns 38 this year, described fighting as his destiny, acknowledging the brutal reality of his profession. "And at the end of it all, I'll be punching like a motherf*****, and I'll probably be ending up in a wheelchair like the rest of them all," he added with stark honesty.
Potential Opponent and Promoter's Backing
Fury's comeback is slated for the first quarter of 2026, which would mark up to 16 months out of the ring. A major summer showdown is planned to follow his initial return bout.
Arslanbek Makhmudov has emerged as a frontrunner to be Fury's first opponent back. The formidable 6'6" heavyweight, last seen beating Britain's David Allen in October, is being strongly considered.
Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has publicly backed the potential matchup. "He's a very intelligent guy. He knows what he wants to do and how to get there," Warren told Box Nation. "Maybe, we may do that [Makhmudov fight]."
Fury concluded his message to fans with a determined promise: "I am really looking forward to it... Let's see if I have still got it."
